| 1 | In a saucepan combine figs, sugar, water and lemon juice. |
| 2 | Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thick and jamlike. |
| 3 | Cool. |
| 4 | In a bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. |
| 5 | Stir in flour, soda and salt. |
| 6 | Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface and knead a few times to make a smooth ball. |
| 7 | With a floured rolling pin roll dough out to a 14 x 12-inch rectangle. |
| 8 | Cut dough with a knife into 4 strips, 3 ?inches wide and 12 inches long. |
| 9 | Spoon filling in a mound down the center of each strip. |
| 10 | Using a spatula, turn in sides of each strip to enclose the filling. |
| 11 | Press edges together and turn strip seam side down. |
| 12 | With a sharp knife cut each strip into 10 pieces. |
| 13 | Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 375 °F for 10 - 12 minutes, or until fig newtons are puffed and firm to the touch. |
| 14 | Cool on a rack and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. |
| 15 | Makes 40. |
